Rice Pudding: A Christmas Story

Some of my favorite recipes are the ones people have made for ages, ones with a long history that are passed from family to family. Nothing fits that description quite like Christmas Rice Pudding.

There are lots of curious rituals around this old-fashioned dessert. Did you know that in Scandinavia they hide a nut in the pudding, and whoever finds it in their bowl gets a marzipan pig and a year of good fortune? Here are some other Rice Pudding superstitions to stir your imagination:

It should always be stirred in an East to West pattern.

It should only be stirred with a wooden spoon.

Every member of the family should stir it while making a wish.

It should always be made with exactly 13 ingredients.

Of the many reasons to try this traditional dish, Christmas Rice Pudding can be made ahead of time and stored before serving. That means you spend less time in the kitchen and more of the holiday relaxing with your family.

However you make your Rice Pudding (slow cooker, anyone?), savor every drop, because this is one flavor that only comes once a year.